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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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I am 67 years old i have invested sbi small cap 1000,sbi magnum mid cap 5000, sbi foccused equity 1000, sbi multi cap 1000, sbi nifty index 1000, sbi balence advantage lumpsump 15 lakh.

Ans: Your investment portfolio seems to have a mix of equity and balanced funds, indicating a moderate to aggressive risk profile. SBI Small Cap, Magnum Mid Cap, Focused Equity, and Multi Cap funds provide exposure to different segments of the equity market, potentially offering growth opportunities but also subject to market volatility. SBI Nifty Index provides exposure to the broader market while the SBI Balanced Advantage Fund may offer a balanced approach with dynamic asset allocation. Considering your age, it's advisable to ensure your portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals, and periodically review to rebalance if necessary.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

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I am 35 years old I have invested lumpsum amount of 1 lac in quant small cap mf and 1 lac in aditiya birla psu and 1 lac in quant multi asset fund
Ans: You have invested Rs 1 lakh each in:

Quant Small Cap Mutual Fund
Aditya Birla PSU Mutual Fund
Quant Multi Asset Fund
Let’s evaluate your current portfolio and provide suggestions for future investments.

Portfolio Evaluation
Quant Small Cap Mutual Fund
Growth Potential: High growth potential due to investment in small companies.
Risk: High risk due to volatility in small cap stocks.
Recommendation: Suitable for long-term goals if you can tolerate high risk.
Aditya Birla PSU Mutual Fund
Stability: Invests in Public Sector Undertakings, providing stability.
Returns: Moderate returns due to limited growth in PSU stocks.
Recommendation: Good for stability and steady income.
Quant Multi Asset Fund
Diversification: Invests in a mix of asset classes (equity, debt, gold).
Risk: Lower risk due to diversification.
Returns: Balanced returns with moderate risk.
Recommendation: Suitable for reducing overall portfolio risk.
Future Investment Strategy
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Regular Investment: Start a SIP in equity mutual funds for disciplined investing.
Growth Potential: Equity funds can provide higher returns over the long term.
Types of Equity Mutual Funds
Large Cap Funds
Stability: Invest in large, well-established companies.
Risk: Lower risk compared to small and mid cap funds.
Returns: Steady returns with moderate growth.
Mid Cap Funds
Growth Potential: Invest in medium-sized companies with higher growth potential.
Risk: Moderate risk with higher returns compared to large cap funds.
Flexi Cap Funds
Flexibility: Invest across large, mid, and small cap companies.
Diversification: Offers diversification and balanced risk.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Lack of Expertise
Management: Direct funds require active monitoring and management.
Guidance: A Certified Financial Planner provides professional advice and management.
Complexity
Knowledge: Managing direct funds requires extensive knowledge and research.
Convenience: Regular funds through a CFP simplify the investment process.
Tax Efficiency
Long-Term Capital Gains Tax
Equity Funds: Taxed at 10% on gains above Rs 1 lakh after one year.
Planning: Plan your investments to optimize tax efficiency.
Diversification and Risk Management
Balanced Portfolio
Diversification: Spread investments across different asset classes.
Risk Management: Reduces overall portfolio risk and enhances stability.
Emergency Fund
Liquidity: Maintain an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
Security: Provides financial security and peace of mind.
Regular Review and Adjustment
Monitoring: Review your investment portfolio regularly.
Adjustment: Make necessary adjustments based on performance and market conditions.
Final Insights
Your current investments are well-diversified across different asset classes and sectors. To enhance your portfolio, consider starting a SIP in equity mutual funds, focusing on large, mid, and flexi cap funds for balanced growth and risk. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio with the help of a Certified Financial Planner to achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 18, 2024Hindi
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I'm 29 investing 10k in hdfc midcap, 5k in mirae asset large and midcap, 5k in sbi contra fund,2k in icici prudential small cap,2 k in icici prudential retirement fund,2k in aditya birla euity fund,5k in sbi magnum midcap
Ans: You are already investing Rs. 31,000 monthly in various mutual funds. Your portfolio includes mid-cap, large-cap, small-cap, contra, and retirement funds. This diversified approach is commendable.

Current Allocation
Rs. 10,000 in HDFC Midcap
Rs. 5,000 in Mirae Asset Large and Midcap
Rs. 5,000 in SBI Contra Fund
Rs. 2,000 in ICICI Prudential Small Cap
Rs. 2,000 in ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund
Rs. 2,000 in Aditya Birla Equity Fund
Rs. 5,000 in SBI Magnum Midcap
Portfolio Assessment
Diversification
Your portfolio is well-diversified across various fund categories. This reduces risk and captures growth across sectors.

Midcap Focus
You have a significant investment in mid-cap funds. Mid-cap funds offer high growth potential but can be volatile. Ensure you are comfortable with this risk level.

Small Cap and Contra Funds
Small-cap and contra funds add diversity. They can provide high returns, but with increased risk. Monitor these funds closely.

Retirement Fund
Investing in a retirement fund is wise. It ensures long-term wealth creation for your future.

Insight on Direct Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds may seem cost-effective due to lower expense ratios. However, they lack professional guidance. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) provide valuable insights, helping you make informed decisions. Regular funds with CFP advice can optimize your investment strategy.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Professional advice ensures better fund selection.
CFPs monitor and rebalance your portfolio.
They offer personalized financial planning.
Regular funds provide peace of mind and expert management.
Suggestions for Improvement
Review Midcap Exposure
Consider balancing your portfolio by reducing mid-cap exposure. Diversify into large-cap and multi-cap funds for stability.

Increase SIP in Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds offer stability and steady returns. Increasing SIP in these funds can enhance your portfolio's resilience.

Monitor and Rebalance
Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio. This ensures alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds outperform index funds. Fund managers actively select stocks, aiming for higher returns. These funds can adapt to market changes, offering better performance.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds replicate market indices, offering average returns.
They lack flexibility in changing market conditions.
Actively managed funds provide opportunities for higher gains.
Additional Recommendations
Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund. It should cover 6-12 months of expenses. This provides financial security during unforeseen events.

Health and Term Insurance
Review your health and term insurance coverage. Adequate insurance protects your family and ensures peace of mind.

Long-Term Goals
Align your investments with long-term goals. Define specific financial targets and create a roadmap to achieve them.

Final Insights
Your current investment strategy is commendable. It reflects a balanced and diversified approach. Regular monitoring and rebalancing are key to maintaining a healthy portfolio. Consider seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner to optimize your investments. This ensures you are on track to achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |518 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 22, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
I’m 36M, I met a girl in my office, who works in the same department. It was love at first site for me, but I was scared to tell her that. As time passed, I used to strike some casual conversations with her or her team to connect with her and there were some clear signs that she liked me, for example, she would call me or text me why I’m not talking to her if I didn’t message her for some time (a week) or she would ask me if I was coming to office as we were working Hybrid if not she would also not come to office. But she always refused to come out with me for a movie or date/meet saying she had a very strict family and cannot come out other than office. I used to think that this was a real thing. But all this went on until her birthday arrived. I got some gift to give her on her birthday only to know that she suddenly stopped talking to me, no replies to my messages, calls or anything. At first, I was bit concerned if there was any problem or if she was in any trouble. But little did I know it was not the case at this time. After few (many) attempts trying to reach her. I though maybe she could be busy or something and I understood may be if I did not disturb her, she might call back. Time went on I again met her after 4 or 5 months in Office with no contact. By this time, I had already realised there was something wrong and she had already lost interest in me. But still I felt like I wanted to have a closure on this and I went on and gave the gift and proposed her, that is when she told me that she was in a relationship with some other person for 4 years. This blew my mind to pieces, as I was thinking why would someone shows any sort of interest on someone when they are already in relationship with some other person. I tried to move away from her after this incident, but fate we still are working in the same department and that I have to see her more often than not. I still have strong feelings for her, but I cannot show this to her and worst act normal. Whenever I see her, I want to talk to her and If I talk to her, I fall for her again and again. But she is happy and casual about all this as if there was not casualty in whole of this thing. Even now she asks me if I’m coming to office so that she could meet me. So, through all this, I have some questions 1. Why does a women show any sort of Interest on someone else when she is already in a relationship, so she can use me as a options and throw away when done 2. How do I move on, as I did not love her for some superficial features, rather I really liked her character, and that is the worst as I feel like I’ll never be able to find anyone like her in my life. Feeling down for a long time now. I’m already 36, feels like all the doors have closed for me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that you are hurt and upset, and rightfully so. You thought she liked you but turns out, she is with someone else. It's a good enough ground to be upset. But I want you to understand one thing- you thought; she never gave you verbal confirmation. You assumed it all. So to answer your first question- all of her interest in you might have been friendly. It is difficult for me to say it with confidence because I have not seen any of this while it happened; I am only hearing your version of it. But my guess is that she thought of you as a friend or maybe, for a while there, she might have had feelings for you, but then realized that she was committed and pulled herself back. Again, all of these are my assumptions. We do not know the truth. Only she does. The next time, whenever you think someone likes you, get verbal confirmation before you act on it.

I understand that whether she showed friendly interest and you mistook it for romantic interest or she actually showed romantic interest and ghosted you, your pain remains the same because everything was real and romantic from your end. I suggest that you focus on yourself. It's unfortunate that you have to see her every day, but so be it. Take it one day at a time. Stick with your friends in your office. Find some hobby that makes you happy and when you are ready to move on, be open to finding love. I understand that this experience was bad, but it won't be the same way every time.

Best wishes.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |518 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 25, 2025
Relationship
Hi..., I feel in love with a muslim girl. I wasn't planned, it just happened I love her exactly the way she is, unconditionally, deeply, endlessly. For the last six years, Six years of loving her without expecting anything in return, without asking for anything but the chance to admire her from a distance. Every smile, every word, every little thing about her has been etched into my heart like poetry. I never saw her religion or background—only her beautiful soul. My love for her has always been pure, unconditional, and endless. It’s not about possessing her, it’s about cherishing her, even if it means keeping my feelings hidden all this time. But six years is a long time, and my heart is heavy with this love that I’ve kept inside. Should I finally tell her what I feel? Should I risk everything to let her know how much she means to me, even if it changes everything? Love knows no boundaries, no religion, no rules—it just is. But society doesn’t think the same way. What would you do if you were in my place? After six years of love, how do you decide what’s right for the person you love?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It does not matter what anyone else would do in your place or what society thinks. All that matters is what you think and want to do. If you have genuine feelings for her, what's stopping you from expressing them to her? If you don't tell her, how would you know if everything is going to change for the good or bad? Do as your heart wants. After all, you are not harming anyone.

Best wishes.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 31, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am a 36 years old man, father of 2 (5y & 2y), Our income is 40Lacs pa post tax addition to that we have a rental income of 50K pm, our monthly expense is around 40K which is taken care by rents. Doing a SIP of 2.5 lac with total investment of 28L , have a RD of 25 L, ULIP -10L, Gold- 50L, I want to be financially independent in next 10 years. No loan , no credit cards., Has a medical policy of 25L. Emergency fund of 10L. Please advice how i can achieve financial independence in next 10 years.
Ans: 1. Understanding Your Financial Position
You are 36 years old with a goal of financial independence in 10 years.

Your annual post-tax income is Rs 40 lakh, with an additional rental income of Rs 50,000 per month.

Your monthly expenses are Rs 40,000, which are fully covered by rental income.

Your current investments include:

Rs 2.5 lakh SIP per month
Rs 28 lakh in mutual funds
Rs 25 lakh in RD
Rs 10 lakh in ULIP
Rs 50 lakh in gold
Rs 10 lakh emergency fund
You have no loans or credit cards, which is a strong financial position.

Your health insurance is Rs 25 lakh, which is good but may need a review later.

2. Defining Financial Independence
Financial independence means having passive income that covers all expenses.

You need enough wealth to generate returns that sustain your lifestyle.

Your target should be to build a portfolio that provides stable income after 10 years.

3. Optimising Your Current Investments
Mutual Funds – Increase Allocation
Your Rs 2.5 lakh SIP is excellent, but it needs active management.

Actively managed funds provide better returns than index funds.

Direct mutual funds lack professional management. Investing through an MFD with CFP credential helps maximise returns.

Maintain a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds for stability and growth.

Recurring Deposit (RD) – Shift to Growth Assets
Rs 25 lakh in RD earns lower returns compared to equity.

Consider shifting RD funds gradually into mutual funds for better compounding.

Keep only a portion in fixed-income instruments for stability.

ULIP – Consider Surrendering
ULIPs mix insurance with investment, which reduces returns.

Surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds can improve returns significantly.

Keep insurance separate from investments for better wealth creation.

Gold – Maintain a Balanced Allocation
Rs 50 lakh in gold is a significant portion of your portfolio.

Gold is good for diversification but does not generate passive income.

Consider reducing gold exposure and reallocating to growth-oriented assets.

4. Asset Allocation for Financial Independence
A well-diversified portfolio ensures long-term stability and wealth growth.

Your asset allocation can be:

60% in equity mutual funds
20% in debt funds and bonds
10% in gold and other assets
10% in liquid funds for short-term needs
Adjust allocation every year based on market performance.

5. Passive Income Strategy
Your goal is to generate passive income through investments.

SIPs will build a strong equity base over the next 10 years.

A mix of mutual funds and debt instruments will provide steady cash flow.

Rental income already covers monthly expenses, which is an advantage.

After 10 years, your investments should generate returns covering all financial needs.

6. Emergency Fund and Insurance Review
Emergency Fund
Your Rs 10 lakh emergency fund is good.

Keep this amount in liquid funds or fixed deposits for easy access.

Maintain at least six months of expenses as a backup.

Health Insurance
Your Rs 25 lakh health cover is decent, but medical costs rise over time.

Consider increasing coverage to Rs 50 lakh if affordable.

Ensure it covers critical illness and long-term care needs.

7. Retirement and Children’s Education Planning
Retirement Planning
Financial independence should include a secure retirement plan.

Your investments will continue growing even after achieving independence.

Keep investing to ensure financial security beyond the next 10 years.

Children’s Education
Education costs will rise significantly over time.

Start a dedicated investment plan for your children’s higher education.

Equity mutual funds with a long-term horizon will help meet this goal.

8. Tax Efficiency and Wealth Preservation
Efficient tax planning ensures you maximise post-tax returns.

Long-term capital gains tax is lower on equity investments.


Regularly review your tax liability to optimise investment returns.

9. Monitoring and Adjusting the Plan
Review your portfolio every six months.

Rebalance investments if market conditions change.

Keep track of financial independence progress based on wealth accumulation.

10. Final Insights
Your financial position is strong, and your goal is achievable.

Shifting from low-return assets to equity will help in long-term wealth creation.

Active management of investments will ensure better returns and financial security.

Keep insurance separate from investments to avoid lower returns.

A disciplined approach to investing and spending will lead to financial independence.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Harsh

Harsh Bharwani  |73 Answers  |Ask -

Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

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Career
Hi what business can I start with 20000rs?
Ans: Hello Mr. Anuj,
Starting a business in India with a budget of ?20,000 is entirely possible with strategic planning, local market research, and minimal infrastructure. Whether you prefer a home-based model, freelancing, or product-based business, several viable options can generate steady income. Here’s a detailed guide to ten promising business ideas tailored for the Indian market.

Online Reselling via Dropshipping
Dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding inventory. Popular categories include eco-friendly products, ethnic jewellery, and mobile accessories. Profit margins range from 30–50%, but success depends on social media marketing and supplier reliability.

Freelancing Services
If you have skills in content writing, graphic design, or video editing, freelancing can be a lucrative option. A laptop and internet connection are the only real requirements. Building a strong online presence on LinkedIn or Fiverr can help secure consistent clients.

Home Tutoring/Coaching
With increasing competition in academics, home tutoring is a stable business. Charging ?1,000–2,000 per student per month ensures recurring income. The demand peaks during exam seasons, making it a great long-term option.

Event Decoration
Event decoration, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, is a creative and profitable business. Specializing in birthday parties, anniversaries, and wedding decor can help build a niche. However, the business is seasonal.

Customized Printing
Selling custom-printed T-shirts, mugs, and gifts online is a trendy business. With social media marketing, you can attract college students and young professionals who love personalized products. However, printer maintenance costs should be considered.

Key Tips for Success
Legal Compliance: Register as a sole proprietorship for hassle-free operations.
Smart Marketing: Use WhatsApp Business, Instagram Reels, and Google My Business for cost-effective promotions.
Cost Control: Rent equipment (e.g., cloud kitchens) instead of buying to minimize overheads.
Customer Feedback: Focus on refining offerings based on customer preferences.
Start Small, Scale Later: Test your business model before making large investments.
With careful planning, minimal investment, and the right strategy, starting a business with ?20,000 in India is not only possible but also profitable. Choose a business aligned with your skills and local market demand, and take the first step toward entrepreneurship today!

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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